Over at dVerse today, Sam has us writing 'cento' poetry...which means none of the lines above are mine (only 3 words)...actually each line was taken from a different source, including Beth Orton (song), David Eagleman (lecture), Lawrence Ferlinghetti (poem), America the Beautiful (song), Breast Cancer Awareness Fund (press release), Declaration of Independence, Saul Williams (poem), MarketWatch, FOX News, Jacob Swanson (book), From the Ashes (movie), and The Sri Lanka Times (newspaper)Doors will open at dVerse Poets @ 3 pm EST. All done in 55 words, to join my great friend G-man.

And since this is getting long winded, let me tell you where the idea of this poem came from, because i was intentional in my choosing....My parents are at the beach this week and yesterday went to visit a church that was born out of the freeing of the slaves after the Civil War. There is a really amazing story behind the church.The part that got me though was that Michelle Obama's ancestors were a part of it...and that the First Lady is five generations removed from a slave that worked the rice fields. I dunno, that just kinda made me think---

Never knew that factAnd interesting dVerse actThe cat may have to steal movie linesOr that of famous felinesWhat we have and what we needSure come at a different speedAnd still pffft to glory dearOnce more from my little rhyming rear

Sometimes I think is difficult live in America many options many things I know the most of you live well but the last years not many people suffer there and all these about slaves ugh!Did you know CHile was the first country in America (all America) in said not to slaves?But we have others things believe me and many poors too sorry for the long nice poem x

very cool on the background...and very cool what you did with the snippets..some good wisdom in this as well..who knows who will rise from the ashes tomorrow..i like when leaders come from unexpected backgrounds..

This is aweome, especially in your choices for sources. I love your inspiration. It does make you think, and my thoughts go to It's about time. Sadly, hidden not very cleverly behind a lot of the rhetoric we hear today is a different thought.

This smart little poem almost makes me want to try the form. I agree that little but wealth is evident as history folds in on itself and we strive, often as someone else's stepping stone. But, God Bless America anyway! (remember to vote!)

Love your sources, getting to dive into the process was part of what excited me about the prompt. You pull it together seamlessly. Thought provoking and strangely your own which says a lot about the residual influence of the creator of any given piece of art (found or otherwise). Fascinating.

Hi Brian - I don't know if other comment came through - very interesting poem - what I love about this - and all your poems- is your determination to state your message! And it's a good one. Rock on! k.

It's interesting to hear the backstory to the inception of this cento. And with those sources! I can just imagine your desk strewn with books and magazines and CD liner sheets, and you poring over them for exactly the right turn of phrase. Well done!

Didn't know that about the First Lady--but really, how far back could you trace any African American in this country before you hit the wall of slavery? People ignore it like it never happened, but it shaped our entire culture for two hundred years--a fine 55, bri- and if it's in the words of others, the assembly is pure Miller.

It's pretty awesome that you can take lines from a huge variety of other sources and still give it the spin that is you. I also liked the line "more stepping stone than milestone" and the background info on Michelle Obama's family lineage gave even more insight and depth to your poem. God doesn't care if you come from wealth or poverty or what your background is....if He has chosen you for the job then He will raise you up and equip you. I love to hear stories of success like this!

Such striking pieces placed together from an array of sources. Certainly not easy to do while defining a clear message. Interesting contrasting identity, especially with the title. Some of these words really stick out to me: concrete, lash, rises, and ashes. Very clever weaving and truly original in your own way.

Brian, I do not know how you do it but it is so BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED. I love it...and the back story..yes, it makes you THINK and reflect very deeply. Kudos for such an awesome post, my friend. Mine is hereHave you a ROCKING AND BLESSED WEEKEND!!!hugsshakira

I missed the prompt...I'm in the middle of packing getting ready to move in a few weeks...but may give it a try if I can squeeze out the time. That's a cool idea to use other writings to create something new. I really enjoyed it, Brian...and especially the story about the church and Michelle Obama's ancestors...wow.

Scary what you can get putting almost random sources together. This hangs so well and the almost fascist vibe is carried easily .. I'm sure FOX News helped you out there hehe... I was just thinking the other day how much I dislike flags, generally, what they represent, and how much better we'd be off as a race if we stepped away from that. There'd be a whole lot less suffering and war, for sure.

An awesome post Brian.....Eva said you were clever in your wording, she was right!...How did you come across the info on the First Lady, however you did you are so right on...does make you think. Thanks for visiting my blog...though it might not be your "interest".Appreciated your comment. After 48 years of marriage and 7 kids later I should have knowlege about something....right!